Asbestos Awareness (Category A)

Asbestos is a highly hazardous substance that poses a serious health risk to anyone who disturbs or damages it. As a result, it is essential for all workers who may come into contact with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to receive appropriate training to ensure their safety. This includes accidental discovery of asbestos and accidental damage to asbestos and ACMs.

This IATP accredited Asbestos Awareness (Category A) course provides a comprehensive introduction to the dangers of working with asbestos. By completing this training, you will gain a thorough understanding of how to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. You will learn about what asbestos is, where it can be found, the risks associated with asbestos exposure, and what to do if you discover asbestos. This knowledge will enable you or your team to work safely around asbestos and avoid potential health hazards.

The course is designed to meet the requirements of the Asbestos Industry Regulations and provides participants with a basic knowledge of asbestos awareness. It covers topics such as the properties and types of asbestos, the health risks associated with exposure, and the importance of identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials. Participants will also learn about the relevant legislation and their responsibilities as workers to ensure compliance with the law.

The Asbestos Awareness (Category A) course is an essential training program for anyone who may encounter asbestos or ACMs during their work, including construction workers, electricians, plumbers, and maintenance personnel. By taking this course, participants will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely with asbestos and protect themselves and others from potential harm.

Who should take this course?

The Asbestos Awareness (Category A) course is suitable for individuals who may accidentally come across asbestos while working.

This includes job roles such as:

• Electricians
• Heating engineers
• Ventilation engineers
• Carpenters and joiners
• Roofers
• Plasterers
• Construction workers
• Demolition workers
• Plumbers
• Painters and decorators
• General maintenance workers

Although Asbestos Awareness training is recognized by the HSE as a valid method of training, it should be noted that this course alone does not authorize individuals to handle or remove asbestos. Online training is an acceptable mode of delivering Asbestos Awareness training. However, workers who plan to carry out work that may disturb asbestos or ACMs require further training beyond Asbestos Awareness. This training is needed to ensure their safety and the safety of others who may be affected by asbestos exposure.

Why should you take this course?

Asbestos-related diseases cause over 5,000 deaths annually in the UK. Workers who may potentially disturb asbestos during their work must be properly trained to work safely and prevent risks to themselves and others. Employers have a legal duty to protect their employees and comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Asbestos Awareness Category A training course teaches employees how to comply with these regulations and recognize the health hazards of asbestos exposure. The course provides information about the common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found in buildings and how to avoid disturbing them. By taking this training course, employees will understand the importance of following safety procedures and avoiding disturbing asbestos during their work.

Aims of the course

By completing this training, you will understand:

• The reasons why asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are dangerous and must be treated as hazardous substances.
• The severe health consequences associated with asbestos exposure.
• The legal requirements for controlling the risks of asbestos.
• The responsibilities of both employers and employees in managing the risks of asbestos.
• The appropriate actions to take upon discovering or unintentionally disturbing asbestos-containing materials.

Assessment

After finishing the six modules, a course assessment consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions will be provided to test the knowledge acquired from the training. The assessment is automatically marked, and a passing grade of 90% is required. You can retake the assessment as many times as necessary without incurring additional fees.